Cheri Oteri Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Shares How Dr. Jill Biden Has 'Supported' Her

Angel SaundersTue, June 16, 2026 at 1:11 PM UTC

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Cheri Oteri at the Los Angeles premiere of Hulu's new series "Mid-Century Modern" on March 25, 2025Credit: Savion Washington/FilmMagic -

Cheri Oteri revealed she was recently diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Oteri explained how Dr. Jill Biden helped her during her breast cancer diagnosis, on the Wednesday, June 10 episode of Chelsea Handler's Dear Chelsea podcast

She said the former first lady was extremely supportive before and after her surgery

Cheri Oteri is opening up about her health.

The 63-year-old Scary Movie 6 actress revealed that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, while appearing on the Wednesday, June 10 episode of Chelsea Handler's Dear Chelsea podcast. Oteri shared how, after her diagnosis, she found a supportive friend in Dr. Jill Biden.

Speaking with Handler, Oteri revealed that their friendship began as the pair attended a Milken Institute dinner in April. She said that she initially bonded with Biden, 75, over being from neighboring states, but Oteri told Handler, 51, she became inspired by "all of these accomplished, powerful women" who were discussing healthcare at the event.

"And I'm just listening and listening to everybody speak. And it was the weirdest thing 'cause I was just diagnosed with DCIS, with breast cancer," the Saturday Night Live alum shared.

DCIS, short for ductal carcinoma in situ, is a non-invasive, stage 0 breast cancer.

It is a very early form of breast cancer that occurs when the cancer cells are confined inside a milk duct in the breast, according to the Mayo Clinic. DCIS has a low risk of spreading, and rarely becomes life-threatening, but does require surgery for removal, with some patients undergoing radiation or hormone therapy.

"I'm staying there quiet, and I'm like, this is so serendipitous," Oteri continued of being at the organization's event just after her diagnosis.

As the dinner ended, Oteri said she and Dr. Biden said their good-byes, but she felt compelled to tell her that she'd just been diagnosed and had a surgery scheduled for April 26.

"She said, 'All right, you're gonna get tired of me.' And she says, 'I'm going through this with you,'" Oteri recalled of their conversation. "This woman, like before my surgery, after my surgery, she just, she goes, 'I am with you on this.' I was blown away."

Cheri Oteri attends SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall on February 14, 2025Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Oteri said she Dr. Biden were in Los Angeles at the same time afterward and decided to catch up and get coffee together.

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"And so we met at this coffee shop and we just talked for two hours, and she was just, that is a woman with a huge heart, and through everything, she's like checking on me and just a beautiful human being. I've never felt so supported," Oteri said.

The Happy's Place actress said Dr. Biden kept in touch in the weeks following their coffee date.

"She goes, 'You're gonna get sick of me texting you,' and I'm like, 'Seriously, Jill, knock it off,'" Oteri quipped.

Cheri Oteri at the world premiere of Scary Movie at Paramount Theatre on June 3, 2026 in Los AngelesCredit: Brianna Bryson/FilmMagic

Oteri added that she reassured Dr. Biden that everything was okay because she caught the DCIS early and wasn't in any pain, but that Dr. Biden replied "Joe [Biden] wasn't in any pain either," she said, referring to the former president's "aggressive" cancer.

"All right, I'm scared now! Are you happy?" Oteri joked.

"But she was just hands on," the actress said.

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Earlier in the conversation, Oteri encouraged anyone in her position to seek out second opinions as they pursue treatment. She also shared that she had to have a second surgery because all of the cancer hadn't been removed the first time.

When Handler asked her guest if she was okay, Oteri insisted that she was doing well, adding that she didn't even need the pain medication her doctor prescribed.

"Well, you can give that stuff to me," Handler joked in response.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”